Christian radio station STAR 93.5 is stepping up to the plate and attracting fans to the 2nd annual Clinton-Mississippi College Night at Trustmark Park April 9.

Jennifer McGill, assistant director of MC’s Career Services Office, will be going with her husband, Shawn, to see the M-Braves play the Mobile BayBears that evening in Pearl.

Her husband, a student life pastor at Christ Life Church in Ridgeland, won four free tickets by calling the radio station, based on the Mississippi College campus in Clinton.

“I love to watch sports,” Jennifer said. But her husband is an even bigger fan who’s really into seeing the Atlanta Braves’ Southern League baseball team in action. Shawn played the sport as a collegian at Arkansas Tech and as a high school student.

Mississippi College faculty, staff, students, and alumni will get into the 7 p.m. ballgame with a 50 percent ticket discount if they bring an ID card. The same holds true for Clinton public school students.

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is pumped about being part of the event for a second year, says Clay Mansell, publisher and editor of the “Clinton Courier” and a chamber leader.

“I’m more of a basketball fan,” Mansell says, but the MC graduate is bringing his whole family to Trustmark Park to cheer on the M-Braves Monday. The Double AA team begins their eighth season in the Magnolia State Thursday April 5 and their home opener will include a fireworks show.

On Easter weekend, MC supporters and Clintonians will get the chance to see a number of the top professional ballplayers in the Atlanta Braves organization. The list includes catcher Christian Bethancourt, who’s rated the 9th best prospect in the Braves organization by “Baseball America.” Pitchers like Billy Bullock and Luis Avilan are among the returning M-Braves players who on the team’s 2012 roster.

MC’s contingent for the Monday night event will include the 2012 Miss Mississippi College pageant winner Taylor Townsend of Flowood to toss the ceremonial first pitch, along with Miss Clinton Jamie Ferguson. The Christian university’s ROTC color guard and cheerleaders plus other student-athletes will add to the festivities. Clinton High’s Arrow Singers will perform the national anthem. The gates open at 6 p.m.

“Central Mississippi has seen its share of thunderstorms in recent days, but reports show the weather looks pretty nice for April 9,” says Andy Kanengiser, an event organizer and MC’s university news coordinator. “We’re hoping to see a big crowd turn out for the ballgame. It’s great working with the M-Braves’ staff once again.”

Fans should come decked out in red shirts to support the Clinton Arrows, says Sandi Beason, public information officer for the Clinton Public School District. “Our students, employees and supporters have the opportunity to enjoy a night of professional baseball at Trustmark Park and support our school district at the same time."

MC's faithful should come dressed in blue and gold for the Choctaws.

Clinton-MC Night visitors will also be eligible to win a few door prizes at the April 9th event in Pearl.

For more information, contact Andy Kanengiser at 601-925-7760, Sandi Beason at 601-924-7533, or call the Mississippi Braves office at 601-932-8788.

Contact Andy Kanengiser, University News Coordinator, at 601.925.7760 or at kanengis@mc.edu.